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Last week, CBS announced that this sitcom will be back for a ninth and final season. At least the end — and the mother — are in sight, although I’d be happier saying goodbye and getting the solution to the mystery this May. At this point, I greet the teases for the mother with a shrug. Still, there are pleasures to be had, since the characters have remained extremely likable. Monday’s episode is another Robin Sparkles extravaganza, when Barney discovers a lost episode of a music show about the Canadian pop singing sensation. Pictured: Cobie Smulders as Robin.

This episode, called “It’s a Shame About Ray,” proves that the show can function as a drama. It revolves around a dinner party where the gang let their angry freak flags fly. I love it. Also, there are excruciating scenes of Jessa meeting Thomas-John’s parents. Chris O’Dowd, as Thomas-John, has been a great addition to the series, by the way. Can’t wait to see him in Christopher Guest’s upcoming HBO sitcom, “Family Tree,” due this spring.